"Like caffeine, but better and without the jitters — and good for my overall mood! I use the Cordyceps powder every day, definitely makes a difference to my energy levels."
— Penelope, Verified Buyer ★★★★★
Organic Cordyceps Extract — 10:1 Concentrated CS-4, 31.3% Beta-Glucans Confirmed
You want energy without the crash. You want to train harder and recover faster. You want something that works without wiring you up.
Cordyceps has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as an energy and endurance tonic for centuries. The modern research backs it up: a meta-analysis of 14 RCTs in 528 athletes found that Cordyceps sinensis significantly improved endurance performance, ventilatory threshold, and VO2peak (PMID: 41280379). That's the largest pooled evidence dataset on Cordyceps and exercise performance published to date.
Our Cordyceps is the CS-4 strain — the standardised mycelium culture form used in the clinical research. It's concentrated to a 10:1 extract using hot water extraction, with a confirmed beta-glucan content of 31.3% (specification: ≥20%), independently verified by third-party COA.
Starting at $0.67 per serve · 50g to 1kg available
CS-4 Strain · 31.3% Beta-Glucans · 10:1 Extract · Batch COA Verified
What the Research Shows
Endurance and Athletic Performance — Meta-Analysis (14 RCTs, 528 Athletes)
A 2024 meta-analysis pooled 14 randomised controlled trials in 528 athletes and found that Cordyceps sinensis supplementation significantly improved endurance performance (p=0.05), ventilatory threshold (p=0.03), and VO2peak (p=0.03) compared to placebo. This is the clearest pooled evidence that Cordyceps genuinely affects athletic output (PMID: 41280379).
Meta-analysis, 2024. 14 RCTs, 528 athletes.
Metabolic Threshold — RCT in Healthy Adults
A 12-week RCT in healthy adults using the CS-4 strain (the same form used in our product) found a 10.5% improvement in metabolic threshold compared to placebo. This was one of the first trials establishing that Cordyceps improves exercise tolerance in non-elite individuals — not just competitive athletes (PMID: 20804368).
RCT, 2010. CS-4 strain, 12 weeks, healthy adults.
Immune Function — 79-Person RCT
A 12-week RCT in 79 participants found that 1.5g/day of Cordyceps produced significant increases in natural killer (NK) cell activity at 4 and 8 weeks compared to placebo. NK cells are a key first line of immune defence (PMID: 26284906).
RCT, 2015. 79 participants, 12 weeks.
What Customers Say
"I'm up most days at 4am for cycling or workouts and was running out of energy by late morning. Since using this product I'm finding I have a lot more energy throughout the whole day."
— Kyla, Verified Buyer ★★★★★
"I started taking Cordyceps when I was under a lot of work pressure. Sets me up for the day — a taste sensation second to none. Omg the best breakfast ever."
— Ann, Verified Buyer ★★★★★
"Cordyceps is a superstar in TCM herbs. I have more energy and stamina to get through the busy days."
— Brigita, Verified Buyer ★★★★
"When I feel as though I need extra energy, I use Cordyceps. It's my go-to on hard training days and during long work stretches."
— Step, Verified Buyer ★★★★★
What Makes CS-4 the Research Standard
Wild Cordyceps sinensis — harvested from the Tibetan plateau — is one of the rarest and most expensive natural materials in the world. Genuine wild Cordyceps trades at up to $20,000 per kilogram. Any product at a typical supplement price is not wild Cordyceps.
The CS-4 strain is a mycelium culture of Cordyceps sinensis developed to replicate the bioactive profile of wild Cordyceps in a controlled, consistent form. It's the strain used in the majority of clinical trials, including the 12-week RCT showing metabolic threshold improvements in healthy adults. Our product uses the same CS-4 strain, at the same type of extract, at the same concentration range used in the research.
Our 10:1 hot water extraction concentrates the beta-glucan polysaccharides — the primary active compound associated with Cordyceps' performance and immune benefits. The result: a confirmed 31.3% beta-glucan content against a ≥20% specification, batch-tested by independent laboratory.
Formulation Specifications (COA Batch C24050306)
| Strain |
CS-4 (standardised mycelium culture of Cordyceps sinensis) |
| Part used |
Mycelium — the clinically researched form of CS-4 |
| Extraction ratio |
10:1 (10kg raw → 1kg extract) |
| Extraction method |
Hot water extraction |
| Beta-glucan content |
31.3% (specification: ≥20%) |
| Organic certification |
ACO Certified Organic |
| Origin |
China — Yes Herbs (Xi'an Lifewe) |
| Testing |
Third-party batch-tested: heavy metals, E. coli (negative), Salmonella (negative) |
Is This Right for You?
| Your situation |
Verdict |
| You want energy and endurance support without stimulants |
Strong match — meta-analysis backed |
| You train regularly and want to improve endurance output |
Research-supported — 14 RCTs in athletes |
| You hit afternoon energy slumps and don't want more caffeine |
Excellent fit — "like caffeine without jitters" |
| You want daily immune system support alongside energy |
Good match — NK cell RCT evidence |
| You specifically want wild Tibetan Cordyceps |
Not this — CS-4 is a cultivated mycelium strain (and the clinically studied one) |
| You want calming or sleep support |
Not this — try Reishi instead |
| You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or on immunosuppressant medication |
Consult a healthcare practitioner first |
Value Comparison
| Size |
Price |
Per serve (1g) |
Best for |
| 50g |
$42 |
$0.84 |
First-time buyers |
| 100g |
$67 |
$0.67 |
3–4 months supply at ½ tsp daily |
| 250g ★ Best value |
$115.50 |
$0.46 |
Daily users — 8+ months supply |
| 500g |
$231 |
$0.46 |
Long-term supply or households |
| 1kg |
$462 |
$0.46 |
Serious daily users, households, coaches |
How to Use It
Daily serve: 1–2 grams (approximately ½–1 teaspoon). Most customers use Cordyceps in the morning or pre-workout — it's energising rather than sedating, and works best when you actually need the energy it supports.
Best in:
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Morning coffee — the most popular use. Adds earthy depth and reportedly rounds out the caffeine effect without jitters
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Pre-workout smoothie — pairs with banana, dates, cacao, and protein powder
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Cacao or hot chocolate — smooth and grounding, especially on training days
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Hot water (traditional) — simple and effective, especially for those avoiding caffeine
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Athletic meals — dissolves cleanly into porridge or protein oats before a session
Consistency matters: The performance meta-analysis found benefits at 4–12 weeks of consistent use. Cordyceps is not an acute stimulant — it builds. Start at ½ teaspoon and increase to 1 teaspoon after 1–2 weeks.
Pairs Well With
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Lion's Mane — for mental performance alongside physical: focus + endurance is the most popular athlete stack
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Reishi — for performance + recovery: Cordyceps (day) + Reishi (night) addresses both sides of the training cycle
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Turkey Tail — for immune support alongside performance, particularly during heavy training blocks
Read: Cordyceps Benefits — Evidence Review · Cordyceps for Energy · Cordyceps Immune Support
Non-GMO
Vegan
Dairy Free
Sugar Free
Common Questions
What's CS-4 and why does it matter?
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CS-4 is a standardised mycelium culture of Cordyceps sinensis developed in China — it replicates the active bioactive profile of wild Tibetan Cordyceps in a controlled, consistent form. It's the strain used in the majority of published clinical trials, including the 12-week metabolic threshold RCT and several of the 14 RCTs in the performance meta-analysis. Using CS-4 means our product's performance relates to the actual research — not a wildly variable whole mushroom powder of uncertain potency.
Is this the same as wild Cordyceps sinensis?
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No — and we want to be clear about that. Wild Tibetan Cordyceps sinensis is extraordinarily rare and expensive (up to $20,000 per kilogram). Any supplement selling "Cordyceps sinensis" at standard supplement prices is not wild Sinensis. Ours is CS-4, a mycelium culture specifically developed to replicate the bioactive profile of wild Cordyceps. CS-4 is the clinically researched form — the strain used in the controlled trials that produced statistically significant performance improvements. Wild harvested has cultural prestige; CS-4 has research backing.
When should I take it for best results?
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Morning or pre-workout are the most common and effective timings. Morning with coffee is the most popular pattern among our customers. Pre-workout 30–60 minutes before exercise is sensible for performance-focused use. Avoid taking late in the day if you're sensitive to changes in energy — some people find it mildly stimulating. Consistent daily use over 4–12 weeks is where the performance research shows its effects.
What does Cordyceps taste like?
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Mild and earthy — milder than Reishi, less bitter, easier to blend. Most customers describe it as adding a pleasant earthy depth to coffee without dominating the flavour. It dissolves cleanly into hot beverages and smoothies. Multiple customers have described the morning coffee version as their favourite part of the day.
Is Cordyceps safe to take daily?
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Yes — Cordyceps has a long history of traditional use and a good safety profile at supplemental doses (1–3g extract/day). The 12-week clinical trials confirmed no significant adverse events. If you're taking immunosuppressant medication or have an autoimmune condition, consult a healthcare practitioner first, as Cordyceps has demonstrated immune-modulating activity. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a practitioner before use.
Sustainable energy. No crash. Backed by 14 clinical trials.
CS-4 Strain · 10:1 Extract · 31.3% Beta-Glucans · ACO Certified Organic · Batch-Tested
From $0.67 per serve — less than a flat white.
Ingredients
100% Certified Organic Cordyceps CS-4 (Cordyceps sinensis) Mycelium Extract — Hot Water Extracted (10:1)
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or health condition. The information provided describes traditional uses and general product characteristics, and is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, or have a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
